The film clip reels, as usual, never seem as good as one may hope. Odd, when you consider the thousands of hours of possibilities. If the movies were as unremarkable as the scenes shown, the film industry would have already gone out of business.
Remind me – The reading of stage directions and a line of dialogue from the nominees in the script categories served what purpose?
Ennio Morricone deserved his Honorary Oscar if, as I thought I heard, he’d composed 400 scores. Unfortunately, among the handful played in the film tribute, only one was familiar (“The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly”). Worse, we got consecutive speeches, first in Italian and then in translation (awkwardly voiced) by Clint Eastwood. Ennio could probably have composed a new score in less time.
Speaking aurally, was the Sound Effects Choir necessary? NOOOOOOO.
Is there anyone who doesn’t cringe when a winner pulls out a sheet, an envelope, or a scrap of paper so they don’t “forget” anyone? Again, I advocate an earlier, separate show for the “craft” awards. The benefit? Someone cited the fact that it was over an hour before the first “major” award (Best Supporting Actor) was announced. Thus, a split into two shows would immediately yield a three-hour show. Who could ask for anything more? Well, sure, a two-hour show, but that’s a real daydream.
The Good, of which there wasn’t enough:
Ellen DeGeneres did a good job. Her opening was on the weak side but can anyone compare to Billy Crystal in that regard? She seemed a bit nervous (as why shouldn’t she) yet she became more engaging as the program went on and her interactions with the audience (at which she excels) were big successes. More of those in the future, please (figuring she’ll deservedly be back as host).
Jack Black, Will Farrell, and John C. Reilly (based on his talent, he should be a future winner) were an engaging and lively singing trio, Jerry Seinfeld injected genuine, and welcome, humor sorely needed when it came, and Robert Downey, Jr., skillfully delivered a funny one liner about his druggie past.
The Interesting, good or bad, your call:
Biggest surprise, of course, was Eddie Murphy’s shut out. Whether it was the unfortunate timing of “Norbit” (a tasteless film) or the perception Eddie is aloof (from shyness or arrogance), the fact is popularity’s a component of the voting. Especially as there is always a worthy recipient standing by. This year, Alan Arkin, and who can argue with either his performance or career?
Costume – Is a historical film always a lock to win this category?
No Forgiveness – "Apocalypto" lost in its few categories. Because of Mel?
Original Song – Maybe the three “Dreamgirls” songs cancelled each other out. Still, Melissa Etheridge’s “I Need To Wake Up” was catchy and made sense in the context of the film to which it was attached.
Spread the wealth – There was no tidal wave. The awards were distributed among a number of films so lots of movies can claim to be Oscar winners. For instance, “The Queen” and “The Last King of Scotland” each won one award while “Dreamgirls” and “Little Miss Sunshine” won two.
Best Foreign Film – “Pan’s Labyrinth” won Best Cinematography, Art Direction, and Makeup, yet lost out to “The Lives of Others.” This is puzzling. Especially since, for me, “Pan’s” was the best movie, foreign or domestic, of 2006.
Animated Feature – Go with penguins (“March of the Penguins” last year and now “Happy Feet”).
Sweep – The closest to a sweep were the four awards (Adapted Screenplay, Editing, and Director) for “The Departed.” Finally, Martin Scorsese has won and his momentum seems to have carried along his film in the face of a lack of strong sentiment for any other.
And now, I’m sure we all agree, enough has been said about the Academy Awards until next year’s glorious (maybe) 80th edition. by Charles Zio